Baltimore’s collapsed bridge reconstruction is expected to take anywhere from 18 months to several years, and the estimated $400 million in expenditures could double that amount, according to experts.
The timeline depends on a number of variables, most of which are now unknown, including the bridge’s design and how quickly government representatives handle contract awards and permit approvals.
Professor Ben Schafer of Johns Hopkins University engineering offers a reasonable five-to seven-year schedule based on analogies with lead times in other construction industries.
Some experts, such as Sameh Badie from George Washington University, are optimistic about completion, estimating it to take between 18 months and 2 years.
The new tragedy emphasises how urgently restoration activities must be undertaken. It is reminiscent of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse in Florida in 1980. One notable example of a project completed quickly is the Minnesota Interstate 35W bridge, which was rebuilt quickly after collapsing in 2007.
Although the sources of funds, including the government support promised by President Joe Biden, are still unknown, coordinated efforts are anticipated to reduce the bureaucratic backlog.
Experts estimate that, depending on design complexity and material availability, the project might cost between $500 million and $1 billion, notwithstanding obstacles including unstable steel pricing and a shortage of construction resources.
In order to reduce future dangers, Hota GangaRao from West Virginia University emphasises the intricacy of using the current pier foundations as opposed to repositioning supports and the associated financial consequences.
Emeritus engineering professor Norma Jean Mattei of The University of New Orleans highlights the complex procedure that goes into replacing such a vital infrastructure, stressing the length of time needed for planning, obtaining permits, choosing a contractor, and starting construction.
Biden sanctions $60 million, Governor says ‘very long road ahead’
Maryland Governor Wes Moore on Thursday (Mar 28) said it is a “very long road ahead” as the Biden administration sanctioned a federal aid of $60 million after the deadly collapse.
Moore said that “the best minds in the world” have been making plans to clear the debris and shift the cargo ship which had rammed into the bridge. “Government is working hand in hand with industry to investigate the area, including the wreck, and remove the ship,” the governor said.
“This work is not going to take hours. This work is not going to take days. This work is not going to take weeks. We have a very long road ahead of us,” Moore added.
(With inputs from agencies)
